UNITED (4-1-3-2)

SUNDERLAND (4-4-2)

Sunderland arrive at Old Trafford having drawn 13 of their 26 games, including six away from home. The Black Cats have also lost four away games and won just two while scoring only 10 away goals.

Last weekend, Sunderland drew 0-0 at home to West Bromwich Albion; they have now gone five hours and 18 minutes - including the FA Cup loss at Bradford - without scoring a goal; they last netted in the 1-1 draw at Swansea on February 7.

United, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat in eight league and cup games, when they were beaten 2-1 at Swansea last Saturday. That was their fifth loss of the season, though they have been beaten just twice at home this term, against Swansea and, more recently, against Southampton. United have also scored 28 home goals, the joint highest in the Barclays Premier League, with Arsenal.

When the teams met at Old Trafford last season, Sunderland won 1-0 with a first-half strike from Sebastian Larsson. That remains their only win over United, home and away, in 25 Premier League clashes.

In 27 meetings in the competitions, United have won 19, drawn six and lost just two. But when the teams met earlier this season at the Stadium of Light, it ended in a 1-1 draw. Juan Mata gave United an early lead but Jack Rodwell responded for Sunderland.

United have a worry over Robin van Persie. The Dutchman injured a calf muscle in the defeat at Swansea and could miss the visit of Sunderland. Michael Carrick, meanwhile, is unlikely to be fit.